What is the 20K House?The 20K House is an ongoing research project at the Rural Studio that seeks to address the pressing need for decent and affordable housing in Hale County, Alabama. Nearly 30% of individuals in Hale County live in poverty. Due to the lack of conventional credit for people with this level of income, and insufficient knowledge about alternative sources of funding, trailers (used mobile homes per more information) offer the only chance for home ownership. Unlike a house, which is an asset for its owner, trailers deteriorate very quickly and depreciate in value over time.

​The 20K House project intends to produce a model home that could be reproduced on a large scale, and thereby become a viable alternative to the trailer in this area. The challenge is to build a house for $20,000, ten to twelve thousand of which will go towards materials and the remainder on contracted labor. Once a truly successful model has been designed, the aim is to sell the houses in conjunction with the “502 Direct Loan” provided by the (US) Rural Housing Service (USDA Rural Development). The project began in 2005, and there have been 9 iterations of the house so far. The project is typically carried out by four outreach students; international post-graduates with a background in architecture or design.

My Comments: "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done."

I had been previously introduced to the educational and community beneficial program called Rural Studio, started by the late Samuel Mocabee in association with The University of Auburn Architectural Program. I have also been gifted with the book, Samuel Mockbee And An Architecture of Decency. ​ Book Review Excerpt: Library Thing: "Do you ever feel that while the world is rushing headlong toward destruction, a sizable portion of the people around you seem to be feverishly investing their resources and energy in projects that contribute nothing to the common good - almost as if determined to speed us all on our way? Do you ever wonder why some of that good old "American" ingenuity, that inventive creativity of which we are always hearing, can't be applied to solving some of the social and environmental ills that plague us, rather than serving to line someone's pockets?"

It seems to me that if you align your values with those of God, you will value people, and good relationships more than anything on this earth." Being in awareness and practice of this, I have found it to be life changing for the better, and a blessing to others.

I have also asked myself the questions, "What on earth am I doing for Heaven's sake?" and, "Can one man make a significant difference, beneficial to the lives of others?" ​I encourage others to subscribe to the 20K House Blog, catch their "drift", with the goal to make a difference, similar to their practical works, or simply in the areas familiar to and associated with your life. Scrolling or a brief read of the blog, the realization of huge and effective efforts are apparent, with the history of events contributing to the needs of the community, and full of real people with names: Geraldine, Michelle, Sylvia, Joanne, Eddie, Bobby and more.

I thank Rural Studio, the 20K House program, and purpose to take actions with my heart and the Spirit of Love. I look forward to the vision, provision and manifestation of life fruit, similar to the work and goals of the 20K House.

Can a new, adequate and nice home be built for 20K, that would not necessarily be defined as a Tiny House by the movement under the same name? Impossible says the experienced builder in me. I have not found, but hope for the reality of confirming discovery, current study and field testing status by the capable students at The University of Auburn, and the Rural Studio Program. I hope they prove things I have seen and believe, being that All Things Are Possible.

Proverbs, "There is a man who gathers to himself and is always in need. There is another who freely gives and is always satisfied." We can also find out the truth by practice, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Dr. Luke. Consider also that it can be proven, "It is more blessed to give than receive."

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John and Bev Luther, owners of Brothers Custom Works enjoy meeting and helping people, and learning about how to improve their service to the community related to their business. We hope this blog will help in these areas, and will appreciate the comments and participation of others.